The parade has been running for 23 years, celebrating the diversity of cultures in Western New York.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hispanic pride, tradition and culture were on full display along Buffalo’s Niagara Street — also known as Avenida San Juan — and it was also in Niagara Square on Saturday for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade.
“My favorite part about today was the cars at the parade,” said Josiah Valentin.
Crowds spanning generations lined the streets and packed the square.
“We get to celebrate our food, our culture, our dance, our people but most significantly the contributions many Hispanics made through the Western New York community,” said Hon. Betty Calvo-Torres, a vice president of the parade’s organization.
“This year’s theme is celebrating our culture today, tomorrow, and always. Celebrando nuestra cultura hoy, mañana y siempre,” Calvo-Torres said.
For Melanie Valentin, the parade and festival were also a chance to teach her kids about their roots.
“I wanna make sure that both my kids, they keep in touch, they know what their roots are, they could pass it on to their kids. I am proud of where I come from, where my ancestry is and I wanna make sure that they know and that they are proud of it too,” Valentin said.
She’s not alone. The Hispanic Heritage Council is also working to preserve culture for generations to come.
“This steel beam is going to be in the institute, and is going to represent the community and the community coming together,” a council member said.
The beam is a symbol of the Hispanic Cultural Institute now under construction, an institute the council says will open its doors by next year.
“In 2026 you’re gonna see the doors open for the institute,” the council said.
